Harness confidence
We want our dogs to see that the harness coming out is a fun game.
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Get the harness out twice a day, pop it on the floor and say “yes” and reward them for looking or investigating it.
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As they get more comfortable with the exercise, pick up the harness so they can explore it at head height.
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Encourage them to pop head through with your finger.
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Look out for their body language. If they move backwards or hesitate too long, go back a step in the process and do lots of repetition for now.
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After just a few minutes of this, put it away. Our dog will learn that the harness is a source of good things and it is a moment of a fun little game of working out what they have to do to get the treat.
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I know you will have to put the harness on to go out but the more opportunity he they have to practise this exercise, it should lessen the pressure and worry associated with it.
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When it’s on you can give them food toys to explore on the floor so they can do fun things while they are wearing it.
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There is a video below for guidance.